RSC Announces 36‑Actor Cast for Game of Thrones Play
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- Royal Shakespeare Company unveils a 36‑person cast for “Game of Thrones: The Mad King,” starring Michael Shaeffer as King Aerys II Targaryen.
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford‑upon‑Avon will host the world premiere from Aug. 8 to Sept. 5, with the play adapted by Duncan Macmillan from George R. R. Martin’s novels.
- Dominic Cooke directs the production; George R. R. Martin serves as executive producer and creator, praising the cast’s “fire.”
- Chloe Lamford designs the set, while Georgia McGuinness handles costumes, Jon Clark lights the stage, and Will Stuart composes the score.
- Noah Ritter portrays Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, joined by Harmony Rose‑Bremner (Lyanna Stark), Michael Abubakar (Eddard Stark) and a host of actors filling key Westerosi families.
Why it matters: The RSC gains a high‑profile, franchise‑driven blockbuster that can attract both theatre audiences and global fans, boosting ticket sales and expanding the Game of Thrones brand into live performance.
